Glaciers in New Zealand
Maori children
Northland, New Zealand
Queen Charlotte Sound
Routeburn Track
Boating in Taupo
Tongariro, New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand

Off the Beaten Track to... Lake Sumner

Copyright: New Zealand Tourism Guide. Sumner Lake Forest Park in New Zealand

Lake Sumner is a lake located about 100 kilometres northwest of Christchurch in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island (between the Lewis Pass and Arthur's Pass National Park). This area has fantastic opportunities for hiking, hunting, trout fishing, white water kayaking and mountain biking. However, due to its comparatively remote location and difficult vehicle access, it is very rarely 'busy'. A great destination for 'off the beaten track' fans.

Lake Sumner, known in Māori as Hokakura is located in the Lake Sumner Forest Park, as are other lakes: Loch Katrine, Lake Sheppard, Lake Taylor and Lake Mason, and the Hurunui River. The area is characterised by these lakes, beech-clad mountains, wide rivers and natural hot springs. It also features:

  • Recreational hunting areas
  • The Upper Hope Ecological Area, a representative area of vegetation gradients and park fauna
  • Lake Marrion (a Faunistic Reserve) and Morris Tarn – picturesque small lakes surrounded by forest
  • Hurunui River hot springs and Hope River hot springs.
Copyright: New Zealand Tourism Guide. Sumner Lake Forest Park in New Zealand

Hikes in Lake Sumner Forest Park

There are plenty of walking and hiking tracks in the Lake Sumner area. Be sure to plan appropriately and take care crossing rivers, as you will be in remote territory.

  • Lake Sumner – Doubtful Valley
  • Lake Sumner - Nina Valley
  • Lake Sumner - Hurunui
  • Lake Sumner - Hope Valley
  • St James Walkway
  • Arthur's Pass: Harper Pass

Details of all these walks can be found on the Department of Conservation Web site.

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